Leadership class visits the Capitol

Once a year, each Leadership Lodi class takes a voluntary trip to the State Capitol.

Our excursion to the State Capitol joined the 2017 Leadership Stockton group for the bus ride to Sacramento. The commute allowed us to create and renew friendships along with a trivia game about our state and surrounding region.

Upon arrival to the State Capital, we briefly gathered to review the agenda for the day and then we were able to attend committee meetings and hearings of our choice. Each of us attended various meetings and hearings that suited our own personal interests. Some examples of the meetings we could choose from included Insurance, governance and finance, and budget subcommittees.

Of course, all the insurance agents went to the hearing on Insurance where a bill was being brought forth to our elected officials to vote on whether or not to bring it to the senate to be passed. The bill had to do with raising limits on Workers Comp claims with the idea in mind that this would reduce fraudulent claims.

Later, we all met and went on a tour of the Capitol. It was amazing to hear the history behind the building and to have all the intricate details pointed out to us. For example, artists and artisans who were commissioned to help in the construction of the building were not allowed to place their signatures on any of the work that they did.

So, the artisans would change one little detail in their work, taking the place of their signature. One example of this is an artisan tile worker who had very intricate designs with tiles that were about the size of a half dollar. The same pattern was used throughout the entire tile work except for one small tile. He purposely placed one of these small tiles in a different pattern than the rest and this different pattern took the place of his signature.

Another very interesting part of our trip included us sitting at the desks on the Senate floor and having an open question-and-answer session with Assembly Member Susan Talamantes Eggman of District 13. She talked to us about how she is trying to bring a Cal State University to the Stockton area, the importance of her voting for what her constituents want even though her personal beliefs may differ, and a little about the new gas tax.

All in all, it was a great trip and learning experience for the 2017 Leadership Lodi class.

Leadership Lodi is a program of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce. In its 27th year, Leadership Lodi brings future community leaders together to learn about Lodi and give back to the community by helping serve a local non-profit. Should you wish to have further information about this class, please contact Pat Patrick, CEO at